Earlier this month, newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer kicked off the “America at Work” listening tour—a cross-country initiative designed to hear directly from the people who make this economy run. For federal contractors and the thousands of workers they employ, this tour isn’t just another political stopover; it’s a rare and strategic opportunity to shape the policies that affect your day-to-day business, workforce, and bottom line.
Chavez-DeRemer, confirmed in March 2025, brings a fresh, business-savvy perspective to the Department of Labor. As a former small business owner and mayor, she understands the delicate balance between government compliance and operational reality. Her leadership reflects a commitment to promoting economic growth without sacrificing worker protection. And she’s made it clear: she wants to hear directly from you.
Announcing the tour at her first stop in Northern Pennsylvania, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer stated, “D.C. bureaucrats shouldn’t be telling modern-day business owners and workers what’s best for them. As a businesswoman and former mayor, I’ve always found that getting the best results requires listening first. I’m excited to visit communities across the country to listen, learn, and bring hardworking Americans’ feedback to Washington to tell the story of America at Work.”
So why should you attend an “America at Work” event near you? If you're a federal contractor or a contracted worker, the reasons are both practical and urgent.
First, the regulatory landscape is shifting. With growing scrutiny on wage standards, equity in hiring, and the classification of independent contractors, your feedback has never been more critical. Attending a listening session gives you a direct line to the Department of Labor—one where you can highlight the unique challenges of federal contracting, from navigating compliance under the Service Contract Act to evolving expectations around project labor agreements.
Second, labor policy affects your ability to win contracts. Initiatives around fair pay, job quality, and worker protections are becoming increasingly central to federal procurement criteria. Contractors who understand where DOL is headed—and help shape that direction—are better positioned to adapt, compete, and thrive.
Third, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer is particularly focused on the downstream effects of mass immigration on wages, labor supply, and the broader economic landscape. If your business or labor experience intersects with those trends, this is your chance to speak up—about workforce shortages, credentialing issues, or how global labor pressures are affecting local business.
Finally, attending a stop on this tour isn’t just about compliance—it’s about connection. These sessions are drawing local labor leaders, small business owners, state workforce boards, and fellow contractors. That means you'll not only be heard by the Secretary herself—you'll be networking with key players who can impact your projects, partnerships, and hiring pipeline.
While specific dates and cities for the 2025 tour have not yet been published, the Department of Labor has indicated that stops will prioritize regions with high concentrations of federal contracting activity, workforce development initiatives, and industries undergoing significant transition—think construction, clean energy, healthcare, and tech infrastructure. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more about this emerging opportunity.
In short, the “America at Work” tour is more than a roadshow—it’s an open door. Whether you’re navigating Davis-Bacon requirements, managing a subcontractor network, or just trying to meet payroll while staying compliant, this is your invitation to pull up a chair and be part of the conversation shaping the next chapter of American labor policy.
To stay informed about upcoming stops and register for events, continue to keep an eye on our website and visit dol.gov/live. If you see a stop coming to your region—don’t sit it out. This is your chance to speak up, be seen, and help build a stronger, smarter, more responsive labor system that works for everyone.
- Author: Hailey Soupiset
- Editor: Joshua Hinckley